Nuclear Materials Security (NMS)

Nuclear materials, whether used in weapons systems or for energy programs, are at risk of theft, sabotage, or diversion by state and non-state actors alike. A lack of political focus, patchy regulations, and inconsistent enforcement globally could pave the way for an act of nuclear terrorism. Additionally, as the demand for nuclear energy grows, so does the risk that individual countries could divert nuclear materials from peaceful purposes to develop clandestine nuclear weapons programs.

NTI’s Nuclear Materials Security Program works to strengthen global nuclear security and verifiably prevent the spread of nuclear materials that could be used to create a nuclear bomb. The program works closely with governments, industry, and other non-government organizations to better secure vulnerable nuclear materials or eliminate them where possible. It also seeks to identify and implement new approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle, reducing proliferation risks, and fostering responsible nuclear energy growth. NTI establishes practical solutions by convening leaders, developing actionable recommendations, and tracking progress on commitments, taking into account each stage of the nuclear fuel cycle and advanced reactor development.

Our work includes:

• Convening government, industry, and non-government experts in the Global Dialogue on Nuclear Security Priorities to develop ambitious, actionable solutions to address the most pressing nuclear security challenges
• Assessing the conditions for nuclear security implementation in countries across the globe through the NTI Nuclear Security Index
• Identifying new approaches to monitoring and verification, including multilateral engagement through the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament and Verification
• Facilitating nuclear security policy dialogues with officials and experts from China, Russia, the United States, and global NGOs
• Fostering regional partnerships to address proliferation risks while supporting a sustainable commercial fuel market
• Developing ways to better manage the storage, and disposal of spent fuel and long-lived radioactive waste
• Building networks among industry, government and NGOs to strengthen security and safeguards of advanced reactors
• Strengthening the global nuclear security architecture through a variety of approaches, including convening regional workshops to help prepare for the first-ever Review Conference of the amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials